The St. Louis Blues can be with out defenseman Tyler Tucker for Sunday night time’s decisive Sport 7 conflict towards the Winnipeg Jets — a major blow to a workforce relying on its blueline depth in a win-or-go-home matchup.
The 25-year-old Tucker has emerged as a dependable presence on the again finish this season, offering physicality, poise and key minutes which have helped stabilize the Blues protection.
In a career-high 38 video games this season, Tucker recorded simply seven factors however showcased his sturdy defensive prowess by recording 81 hits and 39 blocked photographs in that restricted time. He added a purpose and 12 hits within the first three video games of the collection earlier than happening with a lower-body damage. If the Blues can advance, there isn’t a public timeline on Tucker’s potential return outdoors of his “day-to-day” standing.
Ryan Suter is predicted to stay in Tucker’s place within the lineup Sunday night time, skating alongside fellow veteran Nick Leddy. A veteran of over 1,500 profession video games, Suter produced two objectives and 15 factors in 82 video games this season — sustaining his streak of 4 consecutive seasons with out lacking a recreation — however was a wholesome scratch in Video games 2 and three of the collection. Within the 4 video games he has dressed for, Suter has one help and a -1 ranking whereas averaging 16:45 of ice time per recreation.
Addressing the choice to initially scratch Suter after which reinsert him following Tucker’s damage, Blues head coach Jim Montgomery praised the veteran’s professionalism, noting that the workforce will profit from Suter’s penalty-killing capacity and wealth of expertise.
The 40-year-old has logged 137 profession playoff video games, averaging a powerful 24:52 of ice time. Whereas his days as a top-pairing workhorse are behind him, Suter’s veteran presence might show invaluable in a high-stakes Sport 7.
